Palm Desert Crash: Man Arrested After Allegedly Fleeing Scene

PALM DESERT, CA -- A man was arrested by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department over the weekend for allegedly driving under influence, fleeing from police and then striking another vehicle while fleeing.

At 7:26 pm on Friday, July 19, deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to the area of Monterrey Avenue and Avenida del Sol to a report of an intoxicated driver leaving the scene of a traffic collision.

Deputies located the suspect vehicle, a Ford Ranger, driving northbound on Monterrey Avenue near Country Club. When deputies attempted to stop the driver -- who was later identified as Roger Gonzalez,27, of Desert Hot Springs -- he failed to stop, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated, police say.

At the intersection of Monterrey Avenue and Gerald Ford, Gonzalez failed to stop for a red light, and his vehicle struck a vehicle traveling on Gerald Ford. Police say the collision involved Gonzalez’s vehicle and three additional vehicles.

Riverside County Fire Personnel responded to the scene for medical treatment of the involved parties. Gonzalez was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. No other involved parties were transported from the scene to the hospital.

Gonzalez was arrested for evading (2800.2 (a) VC) and driving under the influence causing injury (23153 (a) VC). After being medically cleared for booking, he was booked at Larry Smith Corrections Facility.

Anyone with information about this investigation may contact Deputy Nicole Wilhite of the Palm Desert Station at (760) 836-1600.